Community Grants applications opening soon

Applications for Horsham Rural City Council’s Community Grants Scheme will soon open for not-for-profit groups to deliver projects that directly benefit residents.

Clubs and organisations can apply for a share of the 2019-20 funding via the HRCC website from 28 January until 28 February.

The grants have been highly successful over the past 12 months with dozens of local projects worth $365,000 completed.

That included $1,752 for community radio station Triple H’s new outside broadcast unit.

Station technician Timothy Hobbs spent about a year designing and constructing the custom-made unit which was launched last month with a program broadcast from Horsham’s Sunnyside Lutheran Rest Home.

Station secretary Heather Farrell said Triple H was thankful for the financial support.

“We successfully applied for a Council grant to build the transportation module to house the necessary equipment. The grant covered about two thirds of the cost,” Ms Farrell said.

“We hope to be out and about connecting with the community a lot more in the near future.”

Mayor Mark Radford said grants of up to $10,000 were available for next year’s program.

“The majority of successful applications range between $500 and $5,000 and are awarded to not-for-profit organisations that enhance the provision of activities, facilities or delivery of services to people in the Horsham municipality,” Cr Radford said.

“Applications are assessed against a range of criteria, including demonstrated need, level of community benefit and more”.

“I encourage community groups to plan their grant application early.

“Read the guidelines, plan your project, and importantly speak with a Council officer, listed in the guidelines, about your application to ensure it meets the guidelines to give it every chance of success,” he said.

To be eligible for funding, projects must be undertaken between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020.

To find out more call Co-ordinator Community Relations and Advocacy Susan Surridge on 03 5382 9776.